"Let me tell you 'bout the birds and the bees and the flowers and the trees…" I always think of this song from the 1960’s when spring rolls around. Mother Nature brings us many things to be thankful for and in this issue I offer some stories and curriculum links to help you welcome the season, including fables to celebrate Aesop’s birthday and more.

On another note, I can’t recommend this resource book highly enough! Jackie Baldwin is known for her thorough, organized and inclusive work. She is also the 2006 National Storytelling Networks Oracle Award Recipient for her national service to storytelling so you just know this is going to be an amazing resource! For those of you working with the Summer Reading Program this year get ready to "Make a Splash!" this summer. A big one! In support of the CSLP (Collaborative Summer Library Program) 2010 summer theme, "Make a Splash!," Jackie’s latest online book "Water, Water Everywhere!Make a Splash!"is scheduled for release in mid-May.

There are 16 chapters that cover water in all its forms from atolls to glaciers to waterholes. Each thematic chapter contains book references and descriptions, a comprehensive reading list, excerpts from and links to full-text stories, fairy tales and folktales, links to extensive online information, and links to preschool and classroom activities. For more information, contactjackie@storyloversworld.com . To view a complete list of the chapters and a sample chapter, go to: http://www.story-lovers.com/watercycleoutline.html . With Jackie’s help, you will easily keep your head above water this summer!

If you are in the New England area I hope you will join us on May 15, 2010 for the Story Café at ArtWorksin New Bedford, MA featuring award-winning storyteller Joanne Piazzi. For all of the information go to http://tinyurl.com/y5abr3m . On June 26, 2010 the Story Café will offer another award-winning double feature, storytellers Eshu and Motoko for an evening that is sure to please!

Remember, if you’re seeking additional stories, crafts or curriculum connections for other holidays in May and June visit my newsletter archives. Rather than repeating previous links in this issue simply use the Google search bar at the main newsletter link here: http://tinyurl.com/36mfpg9 .
As always, I appreciate your questions, comments and suggestions. Please feel free to send me an email at storybug@aol.com; I would love to hear from you! Happy spring. I will see you in July!

CelebrateAesop'sbirthday with his delightful stories from long ago.TomsDomain.com – Interesting sight that offers the text of Aesop’s Fables combined with 1692 translations by Sir Roger L'Estrange. Also, the fables are organized by primary characters along with their specific morals. http://tomsdomain.com/aesop/aesopmain.htm

If you pay attention the stories, smells and sounds of spring are everywhere...

The Book of Nature Myths by Florence Holbrook, 1902. Read “The Story of the First Hummingbird” find out “Why the Dove is Timid” or “Why the Juniper Has Berries” and so much more. Fifty-four myths to last you through all of the four seasons. http://tinyurl.com/2wrzooy

Make a Splash! If you missed the information in the newsletter introduction Jackie Baldwin’s latest online book "Water, Water Everywhere! Make a Splash!" is scheduled for release in mid-May. Just in time for you summer program. For information, contact jackie@storyloversworld.com . To view a complete list of the chapters and a sample chapter, go to: http://www.story-lovers.com/watercycleoutline.html

BLOGS

The Kiddosphere – This is the creation of Jennifer Schultz, services librarian and highlights her adventures with children’s and YA literature. http://tinyurl.com/24eo3hw

Story Route – The brainchild of former librarian, now storyteller and writer, Cathryn Wellner has an eclectic history that only adds to the interesting and fascinating tapestry of her work. http://tinyurl.com/37w38ay

BUSINESS NOTES

Color Yourself Successful by Ken Peters – “Color communicates. When language fails color can offer valuable associations with people, places and things…Because color's impact is so profound, its role in branding your business is critical. When applied effectively, color can achieve extraordinary results”. http://tinyurl.com/252m8px

Virtual Press Release Faux Pas by Janet Attard – “Using email to send press releases to editors can save you considerable time and money. One click and your release can be on its way to dozens of editor but one click of the mouse is all it takes for each editor or writer on your mailing list to delete the release, often without opening your email at all.” http://tinyurl.com/2etev8u

Why Do People Write This Way? (And How You Can Avoid Doing the Same) by Ernest Nicastro – “Leverages a proprietary coaching framework...purposeful investments in human capital...aligning people and systems in pursuit of”...why do people write this way? http://tinyurl.com/28z4xgg

“Things need not have happened to be true. Tales and dreams are the shadow-truths that will endure when mere facts are dust and ashes, and forgot.” ~ Neil Gaiman, A Midsummer Night’s Dream

CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES

Fables Theme: Preschool Activities and Crafts - “Visit a theme to find activities that include easy instructions and a list of materials needed related to Aesop's and other fables. You will find crafts, printable activities, and related resources.”http://www.first-school.ws/theme/fables.htm

Aesop and Ananse: Animal Fables and Trickster Tales – Using these lesson plans students will “become familiar with fables and trickster tales from different cultural traditions and will see how stories change when transferred orally between generations and cultures.” http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=240

Collaborative Summer Library Program - “A consortium of states working together to provide high-quality summer reading program materials for children…." Includes the history of the organization, audio public service announcements, participating states, past and present themes, frequently asked questions, and more. Copyright 2005 http://lii.org http://www.cslpreads.org/

Honey Bees and Cultural Attitudes - Grades: 4-6 Essential Skills: Literature, Language Arts, Social Studies Students explore how honey bees are portrayed in art and literature. It also offers a comprehensive and age appropriate bibliography at the end. http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/insects/ahb/lsn25.html

June 28 – July 1, 2010 Marblehead, Massachusetts Telling Stories to Children with Judith Black Educators, ministers, rabbis, business leaders, etc. have used this class as a springboard for integrating storytelling into their lives and work. Information: jb@storiesalive.com, 781-631-4417 or http://www.tellingstoriestochildren.com/

July 18 - 22, 2010 Wallingford, Pennsylvania - The Teaching Power of Story with Bill Harley. Appropriate for all people who see themselves as teachers. CEU credits available Information: 800-742-3150 http://tinyurl.com/38ayyw9

One of my very shy third grade storytelling students said, "I think you are a mind reader."
"Why?" I asked.
"Because you told me months ago that I would ask to tell my story. I can't believe I did it in front of the class today!"
"Well, I have been doing this for a while and I know how it works."
"Nope, I think you're a mind reader!"

STORYTELLING/SPOKEN WORD EVENTS

New Bedford, MA - The Story Café and Open Mic at ArtWorks. Adult storytelling venue and open mic once a month. For dates and featured performers through 2010 and complete information visit http://tinyurl.com/mjsrha . Free admission; pass the hat for the feature. Come listen, laugh and support the arts!

Rochester, NH - Storytelling in the Pantry - Catering to the Spoken Word at The Portable Pantry at 12 Hanson Street on the 2nd Friday of each month. Different theme; take part in the open mic, or just come to listen and enjoy! For information call 603-948-2035

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” ~ John F. Kennedy

A Home In Haiti – You can ensure shelter for one family or more before the hurricane season strikes Haiti this month. Choose your tent, point, and click. What could be easier? Provide a temporary home for those in need. http://www.ahomeinhaiti.org/index.html

Untiny.me

You may notice that many of the URL’s in my newsletter begin with http://tinyurl.com. This service turns very long web addresses into shorter ones. Untiny.me retrieves the original so you will be able to access it if it is blocked by your server. http://untiny.me/

About Catch the Storybug Newsletter

This monthly or bi-monthly newsletter is researched and written by Karen Chace, Professional Storyteller, Author, Web Researcher, Workshop Leader, Storytelling Teacher and Story Coach.